Valerie Clarke’s Path to Renewal: A Journey Through the Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship

Fifteen years ago, Valerie Clarke, a teacher at Washington High School, first learned about the Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship from a colleague, Elizabeth Schaffer, who had won the award herself. “Elizabeth always encouraged me to consider applying,” Valerie recalled. “She told me she’d even help with the process whenever I felt ready.”

Although the idea intrigued her, Valerie didn’t apply right away. “At the time, I just kept it in the back of my mind,” she admitted. But over the past few years, she began to feel a pull toward taking on a new challenge. 

Valerie submitted her first application last year. While she wasn’t selected, she wasn’t discouraged. “A former colleague suggested I make a few changes and resubmit,” she said.

The Vision: Exploring Perceptions Through a Rocky Mountain Adventure

Valerie’s project centers on exploring how people perceive shared experiences differently. To delve into this idea, Valerie plans to read four books from different genres set in or about the Rocky Mountains. Then, she and her family will travel to Rocky Mountain National Park, a place she’s dreamed of visiting since childhood.

“I can’t wait to finally see the Rocky Mountains,” she said. “I’ve wanted to go there since I was in elementary school. I love to hike and the Rocky Mountains have some awesome trails. I am excited for the rigor of climbing the trails but also the relaxing sights and sounds of the waterfalls and the thrill of being able to spot wildlife on our way.”  

During the trip, each family member will journal and take photos to capture their individual impressions of the journey. Afterward, Valerie will compile these reflections into a photo journal. “The goal is to study each person’s perceptions from the same experiences,” she explained.

Bringing the Lessons Back to the Classroom

For Valerie, the project isn’t just a personal exploration; it’s also a way to enhance her teaching. “This photo journal will remind me that everyone may be going through the same situation together, but everyone is not receiving everything and brings different skills and abilities to the classroom where we can all learn together,” she said. 

She plans to share the photo journal with her students to encourage them to speak up about their own perspectives and understand that every voice matters. “I want to empower them to speak up about what they are understanding and work together so that everyone learns and understands in my classroom,” Valerie said.   

A Fellowship for Growth and Creativity

The Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship has been supporting Indiana educators for decades, providing grants of up to $15,000 to fund renewal projects. Valerie is one of 129 educators selected for 2025.

Including the 2025 fellows, more than 3,800 grants have been awarded to Indiana educators since the inception of the Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program. It is one of five programs the Endowment funds to support renewal experiences for people working in various professions in the nonprofit sector. This includes renewal programs that are available for individuals working in human services and in the arts in central Indiana and for clergy who pastor churches in Indiana and across the nation. Learn more about these efforts Here.